Congress to Question Heads of Haverford, Cal Poly & DePaul University Over Antisemitism

This hearing follows a surge in reported antisemitic activities on college campuses nationwide, particularly after the October 7th Hamas terror attack on Israel.

On May 7, 2025, the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce will convene a hearing titled “Beyond the Ivy League: Stopping the Spread of Antisemitism on American Campuses.” Presidents from California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) San Luis Obispo, Haverford College, and DePaul University have been summoned to testify regarding their institutions' handling of antisemitic incidents. This hearing follows a surge in reported antisemitic activities on college campuses nationwide, particularly after the October 7th Hamas terror attack on Israel.

DePaul University Under Scrutiny

DePaul University President Robert Manuel is expected to address a violent antisemitic assault that occurred on campus in November 2024. During the incident, two Jewish students were physically attacked while discussing Israel’s actions in response to Hamas. Witnesses reported that the assailants shouted antisemitic slurs. One student sustained a fractured wrist that required surgery, while the other suffered a concussion and severe bruising. One suspect was arrested after a five-month investigation; a second remains unidentified.

Jewish students at DePaul have long reported a broader climate of fear and marginalization. Complaints include social exclusion and being subjected to antisemitic remarks and death threats. President Manuel is expected to outline the university’s response to these issues and detail ongoing efforts to protect Jewish students.

Haverford College Accused of Fostering Hostile Environment

Haverford College is also under fire for allegedly enabling a hostile environment for Jewish students. A lawsuit filed by the Deborah Project details instances of antisemitic rhetoric and actions by both students and faculty. The complaint alleges that Jewish students were ostracized, faculty members openly praised Hamas—even receiving institutional awards after doing so—and that a campus lecture titled “Antisemitism 101” by the Anti-Defamation League was loudly disrupted by protesters.

A particularly notable claim in the lawsuit concerns a meeting between Jewish student leaders and administrators. When Jewish students raised concerns about rising antisemitism, university officials allegedly responded that “racial minority students had never felt safe at Haverford” and that prospective Jewish students should “not expect to feel safe” but rather “be brave.”

President Wendy Raymond will appear before the House Committee to address the college’s policies and actions in response to these claims.

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Confronts Escalating Campus Tensions

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, has seen rising tensions between pro-Palestinian activists, Jewish students, and university officials. The school initially received an “F” grade on the Anti-Defamation League’s March 2025 campus antisemitism report card. However, following the university’s response and additional measures implemented in April, the grade was revised to a “D.” Students have expressed that they no longer feel equally supported, with some stating they feel like they must now hide their Jewish identity to remain safe.

In October 2024, antisemitic graffiti was spray-painted on campus buildings, reading, “From Gaza to Cal Poly, let the intifada spread.” The incident exacerbated fears among Jewish students, who have reported increasing hostility and a lack of institutional response. The university’s struggle with student safety is expected to be a central focus of the congressional hearing.

Congressional Oversight and Potential Repercussions

The upcoming hearing signifies increased congressional oversight of how higher education institutions address antisemitism. Chairman Tim Walberg (R-MI) emphasized the committee's role in uncovering and addressing rampant antisemitism on college campuses, stating that legislative options are under consideration to ensure compliance with federal laws protecting students from discrimination.

As the hearing approaches, the testimonies of university leaders will be pivotal in determining the extent of institutional accountability and the measures necessary to safeguard Jewish students across American campuses.